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Earlier today, I went and picked up a 3 piece (brush, mug, soap) set at walmart for $10, and I tried multiple times to create a good lather for practice, and I keep having the problem of a very small amount of thin, thin lather. Is this a problem with my technique, brush, or soap, or is it something else? Could it just be that its a POS set?
Have you read the wiki under "making lather"? You might be using too much water. Soaking the brush in hot water also helps. But hard to tell unless you describe your technique.
Chief
all of the above pal. I got one of those kits and a week later I bought all top notch stuff. That soap sucks bad. The brush holds way too much water, and if you've never made lather, then you can only imagine. This guy has loaned his knowledge out-http://straightrazorpalace.com/fo...er-lather.html
I've learned alot from him, check him out.
All the best -J
To answer your question, yes, yes, yes and possibably. Before shaving with str8's I was using the wally world mug and brush (been lathering like this for quite some time). I could get a decent lather but not without a lot of practice. You may have too much water and/or not mixing enough. Have you checked the WIKI on Lathering? Category:Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Don't give up keep practicing. You may want to concider a trip to Bath and Body Works, they has a shave cream by C.O.Bigelow that does a real nice job and a small tube is about 5 bucks.
Sorry, That link didn't go through, anyways, his name is Jockey's and he's on this fourm. He has a great lather vid. You should see it.:gl:
Well, I had been using the wiki, but I still couldnt get a good lather going...
Considering what you have, here is a try to get the most out of it.
Dip the brush 1 inch in HOT water for about 10 seconds, shake it lightly, then swirl around the soap for 30 seconds, then transfer to the face and swirl for 30 seconds to lather up. You may need to dip the brush a little in the water if you feel the lather drying up on your face.
The soap lather should feel moist and have the density to be effective. It will not look like the Commercial Shaving Soaps, but thinner and with tiny bubbles. Give it a try and I hope this lets you get the most our of your soap/brush.
Pabster
As a newbie I've been having lathering issues as well. I have found that HEAT is essential in getting my lather beyond the "thin" stage. Soaking my badger and pre-heating my bowl with hot water have made a noticeable difference. However, there is still a learning curve I am trying to master.